Disturbed Area Status extended for another year
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 01 2014 : Amidst the ongoing public demand for repeal of the atrocious Armed Forces Special Act 1958 and the continued fast-unto-death undertaken by the legendary hunger striker Irom Chanu Sharmila since the year 2000, the State Cabinet has resolved to extend the Disturbed Area Status (DAS) in the State excluding the seven assembly segments of Imphal Municipal Council for another one year from today.

Talking to media persons after the Cabinet Meeting chaired by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi at his Secretariat today afternoon, Spokesperson of Manipur Government and Minister Moirangthem Okendro said that the decision to extend the Disturbed Area Status was taken by the State Cabinet considering the prevailing law and order situation, and after thorough analysis of the reports submitted by the CRPF, BSF, Assam Rifles and other Central Paramilitary Forces deployed in the State.

Okendro further said that Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 allows the State Government to extend the Disturbed Area Status wholly or partially in the State.

Moreover, there is a directive from the Supreme Court to the State Government for mandatory review of the Disturbed Area Status after six months with the approval of the Chief Minister.

The State Cabinet also considered frequent cases of bomb blasts and armed attacks in the State as valid ground for the extension of the Disturbed Area Status, Okendro said.

Further, the State Cabinet resolved to request the Governor of Manipur to summon the 9th Session of 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly, which is likely to commence from December 18 this month.

The Cabinet also discussed the withdrawal of Shri Shri Govindaji Temple (Third Amendment) Bill, 2014 in the coming Assembly Session, but no concrete decision was taken in this regard, Minister Okendro added.

It may be mentioned that Shri Shri Govindaji Temple (Third Amendment) Bill, 2014 was passed by the State Assembly in its last session, but it is yet to get the Governor's assent.

There has been stiff opposition from different quarters protesting the control of "Umang Lai" by the Pandit Loishang of Govindaji Temple Board as mentioned in this amendment bill.

Comment